In his rookie season, Howard set an NBA record by becoming the youngest player to average a double-double over the course of his first season (12 points, 10 rebounds).

In his rookie season, Howard set an NBA record by becoming the youngest player to average a double-double over the course of his first season (12 points, 10 rebounds).

Photo: Doug Pensinger, Getty Images

In his rookie season, Howard set an NBA record by becoming the... Photo-4881282.65809 - StamfordAdvocate

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In Howard's second season as a pro he became the youngest player in NBA history to record 20 points and 20 rebounds in a game.

In Howard's second season as a pro he became the youngest player in NBA history to record 20 points and 20 rebounds in a game.

Photo: Doug Benc, Getty Images

In Howard's second season as a pro he became the youngest... Photo-4881283.65809 - StamfordAdvocate

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In his third season in the league, Howard qualified for his first All-Star appearance, led his team to their first playoff appearance since 2003 and also was named to the All-NBA Third team after his stellar season (17.6 points, 12.3 rebounds per game). less

In his third season in the league, Howard qualified for his first All-Star appearance, led his team to their first playoff appearance since 2003 and also was named to the All-NBA Third team after his stellar ... more

Photo: Jonathan Ferrey, Getty Images

In his third season in the league, Howard qualified for his first... Photo-4881284.65809 - StamfordAdvocate

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In Howard's fourth season as a pro he led the Magic to their first division title in 12 years and to the third seed in the 2008 playoffs. In the Magic's first-round matchup against the Raptors, Howard's dominance (three 20 point/20 rebound games) ensured that Orlando prevailed in five games. In the second round against the Pistons, the Magic lost the series 4–1. less

In Howard's fourth season as a pro he led the Magic to their first division title in 12 years and to the third seed in the 2008 playoffs. In the Magic's first-round matchup against the Raptors, Howard's ... more

Photo: Sam Greenwood, Getty Images

In Howard's fourth season as a pro he led the Magic to their... Photo-4881285.65809 - StamfordAdvocate

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Perhaps one of the more memorable moments in Dwight Howard's career came in 2008, when he dressed up as Superman and threw in a huge dunk in front of the All-Star crowd. Needless to say, he walked away with the Slam Dunk title that year. less

Perhaps one of the more memorable moments in Dwight Howard's career came in 2008, when he dressed up as Superman and threw in a huge dunk in front of the All-Star crowd. Needless to say, he walked away with the ... more

Photo: Chris Graythen, Getty Images

Perhaps one of the more memorable moments in Dwight Howard's... Photo-4881286.65809 - StamfordAdvocate

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In arguably the most accomplished year of his career, Howard recorded his first triple double (30 points, 19 rebounds and 10 blocks), was named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year for the first time in his career, was named to the All-NBA First Team and also led the Magic to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Lakers in five games. less

In arguably the most accomplished year of his career, Howard recorded his first triple double (30 points, 19 rebounds and 10 blocks), was named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year for the first time in his ... more

Photo: Sporting News Archive, Sporting News Via Getty Images

In arguably the most accomplished year of his career, Howard... Photo-4881287.65809 - StamfordAdvocate

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During the 2009-2010 season, Howard helped lead the Magic to their third consecutive division title. He was also named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. The Magic lost to the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. less

During the 2009-2010 season, Howard helped lead the Magic to their third consecutive division title. He was also named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. The Magic lost to ... more

Photo: Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images

During the 2009-2010 season, Howard helped lead the Magic to their... Photo-4881290.65809 - StamfordAdvocate

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Dwight Howard became the Magic's all-time leading scorer while leading Orlando to its fifth consecutive playoff appearance.

Dwight Howard became the Magic's all-time leading scorer while leading Orlando to its fifth consecutive playoff appearance.

In 2011, Dwight Howard was honored with his third consecutive Defensive Player of the Year award for hit incredible statistical season - averaging 20.6 points, 14.5 rebounds and 2.1 blocks.

In 2011, Dwight Howard was honored with his third consecutive Defensive Player of the Year award for hit incredible statistical season - averaging 20.6 points, 14.5 rebounds and 2.1 blocks.

Photo: John Raoux, Associated Press

In 2011, Dwight Howard was honored with his third consecutive... Photo-4881292.65809 - StamfordAdvocate

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In the lockout-shortened season of 2011-2012, Howard managed to rack up 18 technical fouls to lead the league. He also set an NBA record with 39 free throw attempts (21 made) in a single game against the Warriors. less

In the lockout-shortened season of 2011-2012, Howard managed to rack up 18 technical fouls to lead the league. He also set an NBA record with 39 free throw attempts (21 made) in a single game against the ... more

Photo: Jim McIsaac, Getty Images

In the lockout-shortened season of 2011-2012, Howard managed to... Photo-4881293.65809 - StamfordAdvocate

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On August 10, 2012, Howard got his wish and was traded from the Magic to the Lakers in a three-way deal that also involved the 76ers and the Nuggets. The Lakers also received Chris Duhon and Earl Clark, the Magic received Josh McRoberts, Christian Eyenga, Maurice Harkless, Nikola Vucevic, Arron Afflalo, Al Harrington, and draft picks, while Philadelphia received Jason Richardson and Andrew Bynum and Denver received Andre Iguodala. less

On August 10, 2012, Howard got his wish and was traded from the Magic to the Lakers in a three-way deal that also involved the 76ers and the Nuggets. The Lakers also received Chris Duhon and Earl Clark, the ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

On August 10, 2012, Howard got his wish and was traded from the... Photo-4881294.65809 - StamfordAdvocate

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In his first season with the Lakers, Dwight Howard found it hard to settle in to a basketball-crazy city with a larger-than-life superstar in Kobe Bryant. He oftentimes felt out of place and incapable of running coach Mike D'Antoni's offense. less

In his first season with the Lakers, Dwight Howard found it hard to settle in to a basketball-crazy city with a larger-than-life superstar in Kobe Bryant. He oftentimes felt out of place and incapable of ... more

Photo: Ronald Martinez, Getty Images

In his first season with the Lakers, Dwight Howard found it hard to... Photo-4881295.65809 - StamfordAdvocate

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Despite his tumultuous career to this point, Howard is the fastest player to reach 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, 6,000, 7,000, 8,000 and 9,000 rebounds and the youngest player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounding and blocks. Following Howard's 2009–10 season, he became the first NBA player ever to lead the league in total rebounds for five consecutive seasons. On April 18, 2011, after he won the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year Award, he became the first player in league history to have won the award in three consecutive seasons. less

Despite his tumultuous career to this point, Howard is the fastest player to reach 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, 6,000, 7,000, 8,000 and 9,000 rebounds and the youngest player in NBA history to lead the ... more

Photo: Bruce Bennett, Getty Images

Despite his tumultuous career to this point, Howard is the fastest... Photo-4881296.65809 - StamfordAdvocate